The 69th Republic Day was celebrated by the Consulate General of India, Toronto on 26 January 2018 at the Consulate premises with traditional gaiety and fervor. The unfurling of the Indian flag by the Consul General, Shri Dinesh Bhatia, was followed by the rendition of the National Anthem with large gathering of Indians, Persons of Indian origin and Friends of India. The event was also attended by the Members of Provincial Parliament of Ontario province.

Welcoming the audience on the occasion, the Consul General read out Hon’ble President of India’s address to the nation delivered on the eve of Republic Day. The President’s address, inter-alia, made a mention of justice to women, physical and cognitive development of our children, upgradation and enlargement of education system, and building a civic-minded and a culturally vibrant nation. It emphasized on improving the lives of India’s hardworking farmers, to modernize and strengthen India’s strategic manufacturing sector and to eliminate poverty.

Consul General spoke about forthcoming visit to Canada of Prime Minister of Canada in February 2018. He recalled unprecedented participation of 60,000 people in India Day Parade on 20 August 2017 and of 10,000 people in the celebration of International Day of Yoga.

While the Consul General drew attention to the fact that the Consulate has been striving to provide best possible services to Indians and Indo-Canadians, he added that the Consulate will undertake more consular camps in GTA, Ontario as well in other provinces to reach out to the community.

The children of Guru Tegh Bahadur International School, Brampton presented a Shabad and patriotic song on the occasion.